Inside a Bridal Fitting
Wedding Dress Alterations, Timings and What to Expect
A bridal fitting is an important part of your wedding dress journey, yet many brides feel unsure about what happens or when to book wedding dress alterations. If you are wondering how bridal fittings work, how many fittings you will need, or when to book your first bridal fitting, this guide will gently walk you through the process.
As a bridal seamstress based in Somerset, I guide brides through each stage with care and clarity, allowing time for thoughtful alterations and a calm, unhurried experience. You can read more about my approach to bridal alterations.
When Should I Book Wedding Dress Alterations?
One of the most common questions brides ask is when to book wedding dress alterations.
I recommend securing your bridal alterations as soon as you have ordered your wedding dress. Many experienced bridal seamstresses are fully booked months in advance, particularly during peak wedding season.
Your first bridal fitting is usually booked around 12 weeks before your wedding day. This allows enough time for careful alterations and refinements. If your gown requires bespoke changes, redesign work, or additional detailing, an earlier first fitting may be advised to ensure everything is completed without rush.
How Many Fittings Are Needed for a Wedding Dress?
Most wedding dresses require three bridal fittings, although this can vary depending on the gown and the alterations needed.
Every gown and every bride is unique. While many dresses follow a three fitting journey, some require additional refinements along the way. If this happens, extra appointments may be gently added, allowing your gown the time and care it needs.
Nothing rushed. Nothing assumed.
Your First Bridal Fitting
Understanding the Fit
Your first bridal fitting focuses on understanding how the dress fits your body. At this appointment, I assess the bodice, bust, waist, straps, length, and overall balance of the gown. I pin and shape the dress while you are wearing it, allowing you to feel the changes as they happen. This is also the fitting where open conversation matters most. Whether you want to feel more supported, more defined at the waist, or comfortable moving and sitting, these feelings guide the alterations just as much as measurements do.
During this fitting, I explain the alterations needed and outline the work ahead, so you know exactly what to expect.
Between Bridal Fittings
Wedding Dress Alterations in Progress
Once the first fitting is complete, the alteration work begins behind the scenes. Each wedding dress is worked on individually, with time allowed for careful stitching, structural changes, and finishing details. Wedding dress alterations are never rushed.
If additional work is identified during this stage, whether for fit, balance, or comfort, it is discussed clearly and handled with care before moving forward.
Your Second Bridal Fitting
Refining the Shape
The second bridal fitting is where your dress starts to feel more like yours. By this point, the main alterations have been completed, and we focus on refining the fit. This may include adjusting the bodice, confirming the hem length, checking movement, or finalising details such as sleeves or a bustle.
If further refinements are needed, additional fittings may be scheduled to ensure everything feels right.
Your Third Bridal Fitting and Collection
Preparing for Your Wedding Day
Your third bridal fitting focuses on checking the fit, confirming comfort, and completing the finishing touches needed for your wedding dress. At this appointment, we ensure everything feels right when you move, sit, and walk, and that the dress supports you comfortably throughout the day.
Once all alterations have been completed, I will prepare your gown ready for collection. This includes final hand finishing, pressing, and steaming, so your dress is beautifully presented and ready to take home. If any additional refinements are needed at this stage, further fittings can still be arranged. Your dress should feel secure, comfortable, and completely you.
A Calm Bridal Fitting Experience
Bridal fittings should feel supportive and unhurried. A calm bridal fitting experience helps ensure your wedding dress alterations support not just how your gown looks, but how it feels throughout your wedding day. When brides feel comfortable speaking honestly about how they want to feel in their dress, the alterations process becomes smoother and more successful.
Wedding dress alterations are not just about fit. They are about confidence, comfort, and enjoying your wedding day. Read more about the bridal fitting experience.
Ready to Enquire About Your Bridal Fitting?
If you are planning your wedding and would like guidance on wedding dress alterations, you are very welcome to get in touch.
To enquire about bridal fittings in my Somerset studio, or to secure a place in my alterations diary, please complete the bridal fitting enquiry form. Once I have a little more information about your gown and wedding date, I will guide you through the next steps and advise on timings.
